Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs

"Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs" by Angus D. Webster is a horticultural reference text published in the late 19th century. The book aims to educate and encourage gardeners and landscape planners to diversify the variety of flowering trees and shrubs used in public and private gardens, arguing against the overreliance on common species like Elm and Oak. Webster emphasizes the existence of many hardy yet lesser-known flowering species that can be cultivated easily and provide exceptional aesthetic value. The opening of the text consists of an introductory preface, where the author outlines the purpose of the book: to inspire a greater appreciation for a wider array of flowering trees and shrubs, while also addressing the lack of literature on this topic. Webster discusses the renewed interest in hardy flowering plants aided by a decline in coniferous tree cultivation and the significance of nomenclature and taxonomy within horticulture. Additionally, he mentions the structured and accessible format of the book, featuring an alphabetical arrangement of over thirteen hundred species and varieties, which includes cultivation notes and flowering calendars to assist gardeners effectively.